[hml1976]

So this job that my husband is interviewing for looks like it will be located in Southington with frequent trips to downtown Hartford. We were initially focusing our housing research on Simsbury and Avon but they seem to be a bit of a haul to Southington.

Anything like those towns closer to Southington? I've heard Cheshire, Berlin, even Wethersfield? Cheshire and Berlin seem a little close to Meriden..no offense but I've been to Meriden and would like to avoid having to go there for grocery shopping or anything like that.

Is Farmington perhaps our best bet? There are so many small towns that its hard to know what we might be missing, would love any help, thanks!

ETA that schools are our #1 priority but we would also like a pretty town with lots of parks and rec type stuff if possible

[KH02]

If PUBLIC schools is what you're doing then Cheshire should be high on the list...though you wont get tons for your money.
I would also consider southington as it is a wonderful town with lots of town activities and a nice community to live in if you ask me..
Farmington would be an okay commute but to be honest i avoid farmington cause route 4 is like a stand still during ANY commuting time of day which gets annoying and its the only major road their really.

[njohnson]

To me Cheshire makes no sense as you are going backwards from Hartford. Also to me it's lack of highway access is mind numbing.

I would only look north. Why not look in Southington? Has great schools, low crime, highway access, good shopping, etc. Makes sense to be in your own town you are working in, especially if it's a nice one.

As KH said Farmington is a nightmare with route 4 and Avon isn't any better. Also they are out of the way if you are going to Southington.

Berlin and Wethersfield are nice but I see no real advantage over Southington except perhaps they are closer to Hartford.

[hml1976]

My concern about Southington is the schools. Southington High is ranked 6/10 while Cheshire High is 9/10, Southington has 2200 kids in their high school, Cheshire has 1600. I'm not trying to be a snob but with the property taxes in CT I want great public schools.

[usmcfamily]

I don't know what your price range for housing is, but Middlebury has great schools and is a beautiful town. Tons of recreation, too.

[hml1976]

Sorry, should have included price range in my post. Around 500K, would like at least a 3bd/2bth would prefer 4bed.

[CrissCT]

I think Cheshire is a good option. You may want to also consider Burlington (Regional School District 10). It is ranked highly and only 775 students. Property taxes aren't bad either. Downside is that it is not near any major highways, but if you look on the Bristol side of town you wouldn't be that far from Southington and you wouldn't have to go through Farmington.

[KH02]

Southington's High School is big and they've played with the idea of splitting it into two high Schools BUT some people oppose it because it would hurt their EXCELLENT sports teams their HS has.

Southington and Cheshire to me and pretty equal... Except Cheshire has a more snobby feel..but if you like that sort of thing then hey...go for it.
I think the parenting and the kids themselves are more an indication on how well they will do in school, not the school itself.

Burlington does have good schools but to me it would be quite a commute to Hartford or Southington IMO since it would be all back roads.

500K would get you a nicer house in Southington then in Cheshire, but ultimately it is up to what you want.

[hml1976]

Middlebury does look nice and a little less expensive...what are the downsides to Middlebury?

[usmcfamily]

I can't think of any! I live about 20 minutes away but have a very close friend with 5 kids that were quite upset when we didn't buy there. I love it there but my husband commutes to Ffld County. My first hand knowledge is through her and my visits to her home. I know its upscale, but not snobby (whatever that means), tons of activities for kids, great schools, very low crime. Pomperaug is the high school, I think its regional #13 but not positive of the number. There are hiking trails and a lake. Take a look at it, it is beautiful. Personally, I also like Cheshire but not Southington and forget Meriden. Just my opinion, no bashing please